Immunotherapy with natural killer cells: a possible approach for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia also in Brazil

Abstract

The allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can cure intermediate and high-risk acute myeloid leukemia. Even with the development of strategies to reduce HSCT toxicity, this is still a complex treatment with high morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the graft versus leukemia effect of HSCT has prepared the way for the development of Adoptive Immunotherapy or in vitro expansion of activated lymphocytes without alloreactivity, with subsequent intravenous infusion. The infusion of genetically modified T lymphocytes and haploidentical natural killer cells has been tested as an alternative to HSCT with very interesting results worldwide and in Brazil, as we not only have the technology of in vitro expansion of clinical grade lymphocytes available, but also do it according to the Good Manufacturing Practices that have been determined internationally.

Induction of expansion of ex vivo NK cells using a new feeder cell built in Brazil. An extended flow cytometry evaluation of K562.mbIL21.4BBL

“…They represent about 10% to 15% of the total peripheral blood lymphocytes in healthy individuals and about 25% to 30% of the lymphocytes present in cord blood (29,31). Moreover, NK cells improve the clinical outcome in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation since they are associated to lower relapse rates and reduced incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD) [2,35,36].…”

“…Likewise, cell therapy has broken paradigms, offering a therapeutic option to compassed patients. Moreover, immune cells are being used together in BMT protocols to improve the graft versus host response, favoring a long-term response against leukemia [2,3].…”